Memphis, TN – DiAne Gordon, former CEO of Environmental Compliance and Testing (ECT), was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison this month after admitting to a years-long scheme to fabricate environmental testing data for concrete companies across Tennessee and Mississippi. Gordon’s company, ECT, purported to offer comprehensive environmental consulting services, including crucial water sampling and analysis required for Clean Water Act compliance.
However, rather than conducting legitimate testing, Gordon systematically falsified lab reports and chain of custody documentation, submitting the fraudulent data to both the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). Authorities discovered that between 2017 and her apprehension, Gordon created and submitted at least 405 false reports – effectively deceiving regulators and allowing her clients to potentially bypass environmental safeguards.
The investigation revealed a calculated effort to mislead. Gordon didn’t simply omit testing; she actively forged documentation, even going so far as to mimic the branding of a legitimate environmental testing laboratory to lend an air of authenticity to her fabricated results. She then billed her clients for services never rendered, profiting from the deception. The scheme unraveled when discrepancies were detected by regulators and flagged for further scrutiny.
Legal Ramifications & Sentencing
Gordon was charged with violating Title 18 U.S. Criminal Code, specifically 18 U.S.C. 3565, which covers false statements relating to permits and licenses, and 18 U.S.C. 1001, addressing false statements to the federal government. She received a 36-month prison sentence, followed by two years of supervised release, for the fabrication of discharge monitoring reports. An additional 26 months were added for the fraud itself, compounded by a further 10 months due to the offense being committed while Gordon was already on probation for a separate matter.
Restitution & Ongoing Impact
Beyond incarceration, the court ordered Gordon to pay $222,388 in restitution to compensate for the financial harm caused by her fraudulent activities. The case highlights the critical importance of accurate environmental reporting and the potential consequences of prioritizing profit over regulatory compliance. The falsified data could have led to undetected pollution, impacting waterways and potentially public health.
Key Facts
- Defendant: DiAne Gordon
- Company: Environmental Compliance and Testing (ECT)
- Location: Memphis, Tennessee
- Years Active: 2017-2022
- False Documents Submitted: At least 405 lab reports and chain of custody forms
- Statutes Violated: 18 U.S.C. 3565, 18 U.S.C. 1001
- Sentence: 36 months imprisonment, 2 years supervised release, $222,388 restitution
The EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division led the investigation, demonstrating the agency’s commitment to pursuing environmental crimes and holding individuals accountable for jeopardizing public health and the environment. This case serves as a stark warning to others considering similar schemes: falsifying environmental data is a serious federal offense with severe consequences.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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